Football: Conte fored to make changes for Bayern clash

A combination of injuries and suspensions forced Juventus coach Antonio Conte to make several changes for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich here Wednesday.

Juve are against the ropes after a 2-0 first leg defeat in Munich last week and Conte is expecting an "improved" performance from the Italian champions.

The Bianconeri will be without striker Sebastian Giovinco after a recent knee injury, meaning Fabio Quagliarella will partner Mirko Vucinic in Conte's preferred 3-5-2 formation.

With both Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichsteiner suspended for one match each after last week's clash, Conte has also made changes to the midfield.

Frenchman Paul Pogba steps in to replace Chilean international Vidal and will partner Claudio Marchisio in the middle of the park with veteran Andrea Pirlo playing just behind.

Swiss international Lichsteiner's place on the right wing will be taken by Simone Padoin, while Ghanaian Kwadwo Asamoah keeps his usual place on the left flank.

No changes were made to Conte's back three of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini tasked with containing Bayern's forwards.

Bayern line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with the notable changes coming in midfield.

Toni Kroos has been replaced by Arjen Robben, who came on for Kroos after his 16th minute injury last week.

Spaniard Javi Martinez is also back from suspension and replaces Luiz Gustavo, who drops to the bench.